Celtic target Mohammad Abu Fani looks to have helped earn the Parkhead side a bumper Champions League payday after Maccabi Haifa dumped Olympiacos out of the Champions League.
After a 1-1 draw in Israel, the Greek champions went into the second leg of the second qualifying round as heavy favourites to progress. However, goals from Tjaronn Chery, a double from Frantzdy Pierrot and a late goal from Abu Fani rounded off a convincing thrashing in Piraeus to see Haifa continue their push for the group stage of the competition.
Israel international Abu Fani has been heavily linked with a move to Glasgow's east end as Ange Postecoglou searches for a midfield enforcer. Maccabi Haifa have left the door open for a potential summer exit admitting they would accept a "suitable offer" for the player once they have played their qualifying games against Olympiacos, and the 24-year-old could have helped pay for his own transfer with the player valued at around £800k.
Before kick-off Celtic were set to land land a payment of £7.7m due to their coefficient status – a significant figure that helps further add to the prizes on offer. Celtic currently sit 40th on the 10-year UEFA coefficient table ahead of their return to the Champions League group stage, whereas Olympiacos were ranked 10 places above going into their qualifier.
The Greek side will now drop into the Europa League playoff as they look to book their spot in the Europe this season. However, as they will not be rubbing shoulder's with Europe's elite Celtic are set to benefit.
Higher ranked clubs generally receive bigger pay days under the UEFA system. As Olympiacos are ranked higher than the Hoops and will miss out the group stage, an additional windfall is set to be on its way to Glasgow's east end. The will work out at around £950k.
It comes with Celtic already in line to make in excess of £30m from the upcoming Champions League from their entry fee, coefficient status and TV pool and points picked up in the tournament proper.
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